Elanga (hamstring) remains sidelined for Saturday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa but could resume partial team training next week, according to coach Matthias Jaissle. "Unfortunately Anthony's been out for many weeks so now it's the process to bring him back slowly but surely in a smart way. Hopefully next week he's about to train again, at least partially, and then we can reintegrate him step by step."
Analysis:Elanga continues to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained in training before Newcastle's September 14 clash against Leeds. The winger has been sidelined for several weeks but is progressing toward a return to training, although the coaching staff intend to reintegrate him gradually. Elanga scored twice in his first three Premier League appearances this season before suffering the injury, establishing himself as an important attacking option. Jacob Murphy could continue starting on the right wing while Elanga works toward regaining full fitness.
